List of Noob Questions

[Martinv626]

Hello all,

 

I friend from The Netherlands recently visited and got me to try geocaching. We hit a couple caches close to home and I am interested in getting further into this cool hobby. I've looked over this (and other) websites to learn a bit more. For the time being, I purchased the geocaching app for my phone. I will hold off getting a GPS until I'm sure I'm hooked...same with the premium membership.

 

I have a few questions...some have been touched on in the forums, but don't really address my questions fully.

 

1) My friend & I located the spot of a cache cloest to my home. There was a half-buried container, but it was uncovered and full of dirt. The last log here was DNF about 5 months back. Last found about 1 year ago. I e-mailed the owner, but have not heard back. I went ahead and put together a small container with: A log, pencil, and a few tradeables. I labeled it as a geocache and put it in the half-buried spot and put a nearby rock over it. I thought it was a cool nearby spot and would hate to see it go "archive." It is called "All By Myself." I hope I did the right thing. Did I overstep my bounds? I was just trying to keep the cache "active."

 

[EDIT] OK, sorry. The cache is really close, so I will go there today or tomorrow and remove it. I meant to help, not cause problems. Yes, there's a chance I could have missed the cache. I thought that since there was a semi-buried container at the coordinates, that it was it. I'm new, but the one who found it was my friend, who has several finds under his belt. Consider it removed, with my apology.

 

2) About coins and trade items: This seems to be a fun little side aspect to this hobby. Howevever, I have a few questions/concerns. While the coins and such look cool, how often do they appear in caches? I got the impression that people buy, collect, and trade the coins (rather than put the into caches). I've seen some nice coins on Ebay going for 20, 30, even 200 bucks! People don't really buy a dozen of these to put into their caches, do they? Some Ebay vendor was selling a set of trackables for almost 200 bucks. I'd hate to buy some 20 trackable tokens, just to have them end up in someone's personal collection and never see a new cache again. I guess what I want to know is what IS the culture for coins and trade items, really (not just what the culture SHOULD be). Do people build caches, put in expensive tradable items, just to have the next person take everything?

 

3) What is the general view of what the geocaching culture IS? Meaning, is it about the numbers?..."I got more found caches than you." Is it about the coins?...which would seem that whoever can spend more on Ebay "wins." Is it about getting out to visit new places? This is what I'm hoping, but I don't want to get into this hobby if the majority of participants are into numbers and coins. For this, I'm not looking for some general FAQ...I want real world responses. I'm sure there are those out there that fall into any/all of the three, but what's the majority? I want to see if my take of the hobby fits in with the majority before I devote time & money.

 

Sorry for the long questions, but I wanted to insure my questions were fully understood. THANK YOU in advance to those that address my concerns.

Edited June 15, 2014 by Martinv626

[+T.D.M.22]

#1-no it's not your place to replace someone else's cache. For one thing, you don't know it's not there, you just know you can't find it. For another-let it die-everything has a life, including caches. Log a "needs archived" and if you like the spot put your own cache nearby.

 

#2, no comment.

 

#3 What is geocaching about? It's about having fun. If you like to buy coins, and have a hundred different geocoins, but not a lot of finds, that's ok. If you have 3000 finds and no hides, that's ok. If you hid 120 caches, and only found 300, that's ok. As long as you're having fun. When you start finding caches, hiding cache, buying coins because you feel you have to, then you're not doing it for the right reasons. My point? Have fun, don't do it because you think you have to.

 

Personally I have 350 or so finds. That's only a third of the caches in my city. But I have fun doing it...

[+popokiiti]

Hi and welcome!

 

1 - Best not to fix someone else's cache. OK to put a piece of paper if the log book is full. Log a Needs Maintenance as well as a Found log.

 

2 - My trackables are out there somewhere, supposedly one in the hands of a cacher, another in a cache, but I believe both are missing. I don't plan on buying any more, but will move some on, IF I know I can do so within a couple of weeks.

 

3 - Geocaching is what you make it for you. It gives me a new slant on different places we visit, encourages me to get out, and makes me use my brain. I have never met a cacher who brags about having more finds/hides than me. What is right for me, might not be for someone else.

 

Hope you enjoy the game!

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

1] (Echoing T.D.M.22) Yes, you overstepped your bounds. It's not your cache, it is not your problem. You do, however, create a problem by "replacing" the cache... and it is a problem frowned upon by many in the geocaching community. It's called a "throw down" cache. You couldn't find it so you ASSUME it is missing. Problem is... you don't know where it is/was. It is a bad move on your part to assume such. It may well be gone, if that is the case and folks are not finding it (as you) the proper log is a "Needs Maintenance". If, after a period of time, the owner does nothing about it, then a "Needs Archived" log should be filed.

 

By placing a throw-down, you are keeping alive a cache that should go the way of life -- die and disappear. Who is going to take care of your throw-down? Not the CO, if (s)he doesn't take care of their own. Other cachers (including you)? No, because they cannot add/alter or clear information or logs if necessary. Only the official Owner can do such.

 

Sure, it's nice to help out other cachers. Simple repairs to a cache, yes. A throw-down replacement though is a definite no-no.

 

2] DO NOT use coin (geocoins) and TB (Travel Bugs) in concert with "trade" items. Trade items are meant to be traded for and kept, if you want. Trackables are meant to be moved, not traded for or kept. There is much to learn about trackables, MUCH more that I am going to bore you (and me) with typing it all out.

One tidbit: There are "trackable" geocoins and there are "non-trackable" geocoins. Elmer Fudd would say, "Be vewy, vewy careful" about buying such off from sites as eBay. 'Nuf said.

 

3] There are no "winners", it's not a competition. It is personal satisfaction regarding the hunt, find or success (or even failure) of it all. It is about being taken (directed) to a location that you would've never found had it not been for geocaching -- even much closer to your home than you might imagine. Some play for the "numbers", hence there is an explosion of cache placements that are dull, unimaginative and even just plain "yucky" -- that is NOT what it is about. It is whatever you want it to be... don't sweat what the others do... take (and give) to it what YOU want.

 

 

Now that you have started... it would really behoove you to do some reading. There is a lot to read and discover about geocaching. It's easy, it's fun... but, it is also hard and can be frustrating.

 

The Groundspeak Help Center: http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php pretty much says it all... but it's up to you to read through it. Click on every link you find to see what it pertains to. Much info seems (almost) hidden.

[+Chrysalides]

One thing you'll quickly find out about the forums is that opinions differ.

 

Do you know if you found the cache, or some other container? The original description said "in an old metal oatmeal can". Was that what you found, and are there other indications that it is the geocache? If it contains the logbook, it is definitely the geocache.

 

Another problem with replacing the cache (other than not knowing if it is the cache) is that the description will no longer be valid, especially since you can't contact the cache owner to update the description.

 

If you know it is definitely the cache, should you have repaired it? It's something you need to decide for yourself.

 

If it is a cool spot, perhaps you can hide your cache there some day.

 

Good luck, have fun, and don't take the forums here too seriously. Many have commented that the forums here is the least friendly aspect of geocaching.

[+Sealand Rovers]

1. I think this has been answered already

 

2. I didn't even know there were eBay vendors who sold Geocoins for $200. Seems a little silly to me, not really worth it unless you're collecting them (which would be a side hobby not really to do with Geocaching). As far as I know, trackables should be moved from cache to cache by a cacher, taking them on a journey and then placed for another cacher to move on. Some have specific requests, like a Homer Simpson wanting to go to every Springfield in the world.

 

Geowife and I love travel bugs and geocoins, and we'll tend to pick one up and place it in a cache that's really worth our time. There is, however, as with anything, a reliance on people to do the right thing, and it's not unheard of for trackables to just go missing.

 

3. For me, it's about getting out. It gives me a reason to go to that park down the road, do the touristy thing when on holidays and remind myself there's more to life than work.

 

There are cache heroes who do something weird like 500 caches a day. Good for them, it's available to you if you want to do it. I However have 43 finds in 3 years, have not met another cacher yet and through Geocaching have finally gained an interest in the great outdoors.

 

I don't think you should approach this as a competitive thing. It should be what you make it not what others do

[+Chief301]

OK, so everyone has already filled you in about replacing someone else's cache, so I won't belabor that point 😜

 

If you are fairly certain that what you found is the remains of the cache, at most you should post a Needs Maintenance log (in addition to your Found log). This will alert the cache owner of the problem. If that owner is still active he/she should go out and check on and repair the cache. If a Needs Maintenance has already been logged and a reasonable amount of time has elapsed with no action by the owner, then a Needs Archive would be appropriate. This alerts the local reviewer (in addition to the owner) who will make the determination to archive the cache (if the owner continues to ignore the problem).

 

Once the cache has been archived, the space is free for someone else to place a new cache, which hopefully someone will if the spot is really neat as you say.

 

The whole Trackable game is just a side game to the primary game. Some people love buying, trading, and moving trackables, including some of the very fancy expensive coins you have noticed. If that part of the game interests you, then by all means join in, but you can still enjoy Geocaching without ever messing around with trackables.

 

For example, I have a very nice Geocoin that I won as a door prize at an event. I have not and will not place it in a cache because it's a cool coin and I want to keep it. However, I will log a "Visit" with it at caches I find....In this manner I can keep track of how many miles I've travelled caching, since every visit registers mileage on the coin's page.

 

Personally held coins are also popular items to "discover" at events. Anytime you encounter a coin and don't take it and move it, you can still log a Discovered on it. That just means you saw but didn't take it. I always bring my coin with me to events for others to discover, and I discover theirs. Some folks may have numerous personal coins to discover, and some folks also have other items that they have made trackable....several of my caching acquaintances have Trackable decals on their vehicles, and last weekend I even discovered a trackable dog 🐶 (has a tracking number on his collar). Heck, some folks even have trackable tattoos.

 

Now, is it all about the numbers? For some folks it seems to be. If you ever encounter a Power Trail it certainly seems that way (a power trail is just a long series of usually identical and boring easy caches placed every .10 mile along a route. Good for racking up a bunch of finds in a hurry but not very interesting. There are a couple of power trails near me and I have no interest in doing them. Some folks consider 50-100 caches in a day a good day caching. Me, I'm happy if I get 5 or 10 in a day, because that means I discovered 5 or 10 new and different places instead of just finding 50 film canisters along the same boring stretch of highway.

 

In the end, there are many ways to enjoy this game. Do what's fun for you 😊

[+A_Canadian_eh]

I am really puzzled by the negative comments about fixing/repairing a cache when you *know* you have found the actual cache and it is damaged. So I find somebody's loc'n'loc container (obviously cheap knockoff ) that has three of the four tabs missing. So I can grab an equivalent container from the back seat from our caching supplies and leave two minutes later with the cache in good shape and ready for the next finder. Or I can put back the damaged cache, go home, post a needs repair log following which the CO has to drive (in our part of the country quite possibly) 30/40/50 miles to replace a $2 container. Sorry, but that's just crazy IMHO. I understand the aversion to "throw downs", but when you KNOW (ok, technically maybe only to a 99% certainty) that you have identified the cache container I would suggest it is lousy caching etiquette to not improve the situation if you have the resources at hand to do so.

[+Chief301]

I am really puzzled by the negative comments about fixing/repairing a cache when you *know* you have found the actual cache and it is damaged. So I find somebody's loc'n'loc container (obviously cheap knockoff ) that has three of the four tabs missing. So I can grab an equivalent container from the back seat from our caching supplies and leave two minutes later with the cache in good shape and ready for the next finder. Or I can put back the damaged cache, go home, post a needs repair log following which the CO has to drive (in our part of the country quite possibly) 30/40/50 miles to replace a $2 container. Sorry, but that's just crazy IMHO. I understand the aversion to "throw downs", but when you KNOW (ok, technically maybe only to a 99% certainty) that you have identified the cache container I would suggest it is lousy caching etiquette to not improve the situation if you have the resources at hand to do so.

 

It's not so much a question of etiquette, it's a question of being an enabler. A cache owner who won't maintain their caches shouldn't be a cache owner. Constantly fixing or replacing containers for an owner who won't do it themselves just allows a cache to go on and on that should probably be just allowed to die.

 

I don't think the community should be expected to care about a cache more than it's owner does.

 

As far as saving the owner a 30, 40, 50 miles or more drive, that's something they should have considered before hiding a cache so far from home. When they submitted their cache for publication they agreed to properly maintain their cache, or at least arrange for it. That's why vacation caches are such a bad idea.

 

I did replace a container once, because I happened to have one with me and the crappy one the owner chose (a used margarine tub) was cracked and full of water, as might be expected from such a poor container. So I swapped it out for a nice lock n lock. When I got home and looked up the owner's profile I saw that he was only active for a few weeks 2 years ago and all his other hides had been archived. So I basically threw away that container, because even if it remained viable for a little longer is is eventually doomed to archival because the rightful owner of the hide has no interest in the game any longer.

 

I'll do some minor maintenance from time to time, a quick duct tape job or replace a soggy log, but I'm reluctant to replace a whole container, especially for an owner who disappeared years ago.

[+Chrysalides]

When I do repair a cache, I'm not doing it for the owner, I'm doing it for all the other cachers who try to find the cache after me. Unless I know the CO, in which case I'm doing it for the CO as well.

 

No one except the CO should be expected to repair or replace a lost cache. No CO should expect the community to take care of his caches. But if you take it upon yourself to repair, replace, or maintain a cache, go for it. If someone else has a problem with it, it's their problem, not yours.

[+A_Canadian_eh]

When I do repair a cache, I'm not doing it for the owner, I'm doing it for all the other cachers who try to find the cache after me.

Precisely...that is exactly what I was trying to get at! Some of the responses I have seen on this topic (I didn't say this thread !) seem to be far more concerned about enforcing an attitude adjustment on the CO rather than doing what is best for the greater good of the larger community.

[+A_Canadian_eh]

It's not so much a question of etiquette, it's a question of being an enabler. ...

I don't think the community should be expected to care about a cache more than it's owner does.

Guess it seems to me that it is more about caring about what is best for the geocaching community and particularly for the cachers coming after me, rather than about attempting to correct (probably futilely!) the (possibly) bad behaviour of the CO.

 

As far as saving the owner a 30, 40, 50 miles or more drive, that's something they should have considered before hiding a cache so far from home. When they submitted their cache for publication they agreed to properly maintain their cache, or at least arrange for it.

Well, I guess distances are a matter of perception depending on where you live - in rural Saskatchewan, caches in smaller towns and rural areas would be mighty thin on the ground if COs limited themselves to something like a 10 mile radius of their location! When urban dwellers post logs about loving the beautifully peaceful rural roads they explored on a lazy Sunday afternoon as they searched for a cache I wonder where exactly they are thinking the cache owner(s) live! The CO may be perfectly willing to make the trip to maintain the cache the very next evening/weekend/whatever. Guess I don't see where the problem is if in smoothing the way for cachers coming after me I may incidentally save the CO some time and expense?

 

When I got home and looked up the owner's profile I saw that he was only active for a few weeks 2 years ago and all his other hides had been archived. So I basically threw away that container, because even if it remained viable for a little longer is is eventually doomed to archival because the rightful owner of the hide has no interest in the game any longer.

Guess we are talking half full vs half empty glass... as far as I can see, far from throwing away that container you very probably provided years more of enjoyment for the geocachers who will find that cache .. they don't care whether the container was placed there by the original CO or by you as an "enabler" .. in fact, if you mention in your log what you did, if the cache is in a decent location I'll bet you'll be thanked in subsequent logs!

 

I'll do some minor maintenance from time to time, a quick duct tape job or replace a soggy log, but I'm reluctant to replace a whole container, especially for an owner who disappeared years ago.

Again I guess where you live may influence your viewpoint ... when I am talking about rural caches that may be visited 10 times in a (hectic) year I just don't see how everyone isn't farther ahead if I do the pragmatic thing and solve the problem at hand if I have the resources. An investment of a few bucks and a few minutes of my time can provide many years more of enjoyment for other cachers. If the CO is behaving appropriately they will be thankful for someone having helped them out and will likely be inclined to pay it forward themselves when they encounter the same situation. And if the CO is a jerk or MIA ... well I don't really care ... the cache will be there for more finders for (quite possibly) a significant period of time and I doubt very much that they care whether the CO is MIA!

 

Sure, I could file needs maintenance logs, try to contact the cache owner, eventually get it archived and then place and list my own cache ... it just beats me who in the world comes out the winner in that situation!

Edited June 17, 2014 by A_Canadian_eh

[+L0ne.R]

I am really puzzled by the negative comments about fixing/repairing a cache when you *know* you have found the actual cache and it is damaged. So I find somebody's loc'n'loc container (obviously cheap knockoff ) that has three of the four tabs missing. So I can grab an equivalent container from the back seat from our caching supplies and leave two minutes later with the cache in good shape and ready for the next finder. Or I can put back the damaged cache, go home, post a needs repair log following which the CO has to drive (in our part of the country quite possibly) 30/40/50 miles to replace a $2 container. Sorry, but that's just crazy IMHO. I understand the aversion to "throw downs", but when you KNOW (ok, technically maybe only to a 99% certainty) that you have identified the cache container I would suggest it is lousy caching etiquette to not improve the situation if you have the resources at hand to do so.

 

I see it as a matter of responsibility. Every cache needs an active cache owner who will address issues in a timely fashion. What people should do for the community and the betterment of this activity is place a Needs Maintenance on the cache or an Needs Archive if there's already an NM and no response from the CO.

If you give a dying cache a new container it makes the replacer as responsible as the original CO - you have placed and abandoned a cache. If the cache owner is still active, her/his behaviour is reinforced i.e. it's OK not to maintain a cache, the community will do it for you. In addition, this may encourage the active CO to keep placing dozens, maybe 100s more caches never to return to them.

[+L0ne.R]

... as far as I can see, far from throwing away that container you very probably provided years more of enjoyment for the geocachers who will find that cache .. they don't care whether the container was placed there by the original CO or by you as an "enabler" .. in fact, if you mention in your log what you did, if the cache is in a decent location I'll bet you'll be thanked in subsequent logs!

 

Personally, it would bother me if it turns out I thanked an irresponsible CO who abandoned their cache. I'm going to assume that the container I found was left their by the original CO and maintained by him/her as part of the agreement when they placed the cache. If they stopped playing the game they should retrieve and archive the cache - it's the responsible thing to do.

[+Chief301]

Again I guess where you live may influence your viewpoint ... when I am talking about rural caches that may be visited 10 times in a (hectic) year

 

Where I live is exactly as you describe. My caches might get 10 visits a year. I still consider it my responsibility to respond to reported problems with my caches. If for whatever reason I can't respond to the problem right away I can always temporarily disable it until I get a chance to get out there.

 

I think most problems would be avoided by following these simple rules:

 

1) Don't hide caches so far away from your home area that maintenance visits become a burden (this will vary from cacher to cacher.....one person might be willing to make a 10 mile hike into the wilderness to maintain their cache, the next person might not be willing to go around the block)

 

2). Don't own so many caches that it's impossible to maintain them all. (We've actually had some folks here on the forums inquiring how to stop receiving those annoying e-mails every time someone logs one of their caches.....sorry, that's also part of your responsibility)

 

3). When you decide you're not interested in playing the game any longer, archive your caches and go retrieve them from the wilderness.

 

Just my views on the subject.....you do make some valid points though.

[+TeamRabbitRun]

I am really puzzled by the negative comments about fixing/repairing a cache when you *know* you have found the actual cache and it is damaged. So I find somebody's loc'n'loc container (obviously cheap knockoff ) that has three of the four tabs missing. So I can grab an equivalent container from the back seat from our caching supplies and leave two minutes later with the cache in good shape and ready for the next finder. Or I can put back the damaged cache, go home, post a needs repair log following which the CO has to drive (in our part of the country quite possibly) 30/40/50 miles to replace a $2 container. Sorry, but that's just crazy IMHO. I understand the aversion to "throw downs", but when you KNOW (ok, technically maybe only to a 99% certainty) that you have identified the cache container I would suggest it is lousy caching etiquette to not improve the situation if you have the resources at hand to do so.

 

I think what most people object to is not the obvious case where you're holding soggy cache contents, but rather where you replace a cache because YOU couldn't find it and you just KNOW it's missing: a classic 'throwdown'.

 

There are varying degrees of militancy on the subject of fixing caches, and they're all right, for the holder of each specific opinion. I think we should all recognize that and concentrate our continual 'throwdown' grousing in these forums on the arrogant, self-righteous you-know-whats who ruin great hides by not having the capacity to remotely comprehend that there might be something that's beyond their capability.

 

"And by the way, you idiot, IT WAS RIGHT THERE!!!", he said as he handed back the Altoids tin, pointing at the REAL cache with everything but a flashing light on it.

 

More coffee, anyone?

[+A_Canadian_eh]

I guess this is why they say YMMV I suppose if one assumes when you observe a cache that needs some TLC that the CO is a dead-beat who doesn't look after his caches, then doing something to improve the situation is pointless and maybe counter-productive. On the other hand, in the absence of evidence to the contrary I prefer to make the situation better for the next cacher if I can and just assume that the CO is a decent chap who would have happily dealt with the situation as soon as it was brought to his attention. If I'm wrong, I still don't see where the problem lies. Sure the cache is going to be archived some day .. guess what, all of our caches are eventually headed for that great geocaching archive in the sky (or the dump or something). If I replace a wrecked container and another 50 cachers have the enjoyment of finding it in the next 5 years before it gets muggled - if it turns out that the CO is a deadbeat who has vanished, I still don't see who is the loser! If I want to feel good about myself I can even watch the cache and read the logs and consider them (or at least the positive ones!) as being my own accolades. I certainly am not going to beat myself up as having been responsible for "abandoning a cache" by having replaced a container!

 

I'm kind of curious about what "purists" do when you find a damaged container and contents? Do you remove them - wouldn't that be even a greater violation of protocol, to remove somebody else's cache? Or do you just leave the soggy mess where you found it so that other cachers (or worse yet, non-cachers) can discover the same situation for weeks to come while the NM / NA process grinds along? Beats me how that improves the image of caching!

 

Sorry...I just don't get it and thus end my comments on this topic!

 

Tally ho - cache on!

Edited June 17, 2014 by A_Canadian_eh

[+L0ne.R]

I guess this is why they say YMMV I suppose if one assumes when you observe a cache that needs some TLC that the CO is a dead-beat who doesn't look after his caches, then doing something to improve the situation is pointless and maybe counter-productive.

 

I have helped several cache owners out. I know they are conscientious cache owners who don't plant more than they can handle and try to provide a good caching experience for people. I have added a sheet of paper if the log is full, I've covered a crack with duct tape. I've wiped out a quality cache container that ended up soaked because one of the tabs on the authentic lock n lock was left open, I've wiped and cleaned out damaged swag in an authentic lock & lock because someone left bubble liquid and it leaked. But I will not enable and encourage deadbeat cache ownership. I will not replace someone's container. They need to learn that dollar store containers, margarine/yogurt tubs, folgers jugs, take-out food containers, film canisters, knock-off bison tubes, knock-off Lock & Locks, gladware make poor containers.

 

 

I'm kind of curious about what "purists" do when you find a damaged container and contents? Do you remove them - wouldn't that be even a greater violation of protocol, to remove somebody else's cache? Or do you just leave the soggy mess where you found it so that other cachers (or worse yet, non-cachers) can discover the same situation for weeks to come while the NM / NA process grinds along? Beats me how that improves the image of caching!

 

Here's what I do. I photograph the mess and post it on my NM log. I 'watch' the cache listing for a couple of weeks. If the CO doesn't respond, I post an NA. If the CO hasn't logged in in months (or years) I will note that in my NA log because it often speeds up the archival process. Once the reviewer archives it, I go back to pick up the remains. I post a note explaining that I have the cache and will keep it in my garage for one month. I offer to return it to the CO but let the CO know that I will throw it away on day/month/year if I don't hear back. I have yet to hear back from a CO that has abandoned their broken, messy cache remains.

[+A_Canadian_eh]

I guess this is why they say YMMV I suppose if one assumes when you observe a cache that needs some TLC that the CO is a dead-beat who doesn't look after his caches, then doing something to improve the situation is pointless and maybe counter-productive.

 

I have helped several cache owners out. I know they are conscientious cache owners who don't plant more than they can handle and try to provide a good caching experience for people. I have added a sheet of paper if the log is full, I've covered a crack with duct tape. I've wiped out a quality cache container that ended up soaked because one of the tabs on the authentic lock n lock was left open, I've wiped and cleaned out damaged swag in an authentic lock & lock because someone left bubble liquid and it leaked. But I will not enable and encourage deadbeat cache ownership. I will not replace someone's container. They need to learn that dollar store containers, margarine/yogurt tubs, folgers jugs, take-out food containers, film canisters, knock-off bison tubes, knock-off Lock & Locks, gladware make poor containers.

 

 

I'm kind of curious about what "purists" do when you find a damaged container and contents? Do you remove them - wouldn't that be even a greater violation of protocol, to remove somebody else's cache? Or do you just leave the soggy mess where you found it so that other cachers (or worse yet, non-cachers) can discover the same situation for weeks to come while the NM / NA process grinds along? Beats me how that improves the image of caching!

 

Here's what I do. I photograph the mess and post it on my NM log. I 'watch' the cache listing for a couple of weeks. If the CO doesn't respond, I post an NA. If the CO hasn't logged in in months (or years) I will note that in my NA log because it often speeds up the archival process. Once the reviewer archives it, I go back to pick up the remains. I post a note explaining that I have the cache and will keep it in my garage for one month. I offer to return it to the CO but let the CO know that I will throw it away on day/month/year if I don't hear back. I have yet to hear back from a CO that has abandoned their broken, messy cache remains.

 

Like I said, YMMV ... but it sure looks to me like you are spending a whole lot of your time, effort and emotional energy trying to "teach an irresponsible CO a lesson" .. and likely failing at it because they ARE an irresponsible CO who will never take note of your lesson! You'll have to pardon me if I still think that carrying out an action that improves the caching experience for those coming after is a more fulfilling way to invest time, effort, and emotional energy ... especially when the action at worst causes no real damage to anyone and at best may provide many more months/years of enjoyment for other cachers.

[+TeamRabbitRun]

I guess this is why they say YMMV I suppose if one assumes when you observe a cache that needs some TLC that the CO is a dead-beat who doesn't look after his caches, then doing something to improve the situation is pointless and maybe counter-productive.

 

I have helped several cache owners out. I know they are conscientious cache owners who don't plant more than they can handle and try to provide a good caching experience for people. I have added a sheet of paper if the log is full, I've covered a crack with duct tape. I've wiped out a quality cache container that ended up soaked because one of the tabs on the authentic lock n lock was left open, I've wiped and cleaned out damaged swag in an authentic lock & lock because someone left bubble liquid and it leaked. But I will not enable and encourage deadbeat cache ownership. I will not replace someone's container. They need to learn that dollar store containers, margarine/yogurt tubs, folgers jugs, take-out food containers, film canisters, knock-off bison tubes, knock-off Lock & Locks, gladware make poor containers.

 

 

I'm kind of curious about what "purists" do when you find a damaged container and contents? Do you remove them - wouldn't that be even a greater violation of protocol, to remove somebody else's cache? Or do you just leave the soggy mess where you found it so that other cachers (or worse yet, non-cachers) can discover the same situation for weeks to come while the NM / NA process grinds along? Beats me how that improves the image of caching!

 

Here's what I do. I photograph the mess and post it on my NM log. I 'watch' the cache listing for a couple of weeks. If the CO doesn't respond, I post an NA. If the CO hasn't logged in in months (or years) I will note that in my NA log because it often speeds up the archival process. Once the reviewer archives it, I go back to pick up the remains. I post a note explaining that I have the cache and will keep it in my garage for one month. I offer to return it to the CO but let the CO know that I will throw it away on day/month/year if I don't hear back. I have yet to hear back from a CO that has abandoned their broken, messy cache remains.

 

Like I said, YMMV ... but it sure looks to me like you are spending a whole lot of your time, effort and emotional energy trying to "teach an irresponsible CO a lesson" .. and likely failing at it because they ARE an irresponsible CO who will never take note of your lesson! You'll have to pardon me if I still think that carrying out an action that improves the caching experience for those coming after is a more fulfilling way to invest time, effort, and emotional energy ... especially when the action at worst causes no real damage to anyone and at best may provide many more months/years of enjoyment for other cachers.

 

Point taken, but don't lose sight of the fact that this thread is about REPLACEMENT, not repair.

REPLACEMENT in the face of inconclusive proof that the cache isn't there beyond a cacher's hubris.

 

 

(Edited to fix the word 'inconclusive' - misquoted in the next post. Sorry.)

Edited June 19, 2014 by TeamRabbitRun

[+A_Canadian_eh]

Point taken, but don't lose sight of the fact that this thread is about REPLACEMENT, not repair.

REPLACEMENT in the face of inclusive proof that the cache isn't there beyond a cacher's hubris.

 

Valid point...I am assuming situations where there is no realistic doubt that you have the actual cache in hand. I can't imagine my wife and myself having the (good word!) hubris to assume that a DNF for us means an actually missing cache! The idea of logging a "throw down" as a "find" boggles my mind!

Edited June 19, 2014 by A_Canadian_eh

[+TheWanderesss]

1. seems to be solved already

2. I've got a couple of coins and travel bugs, I'm also not sure what exactly to expect. So I just let them travel and keep the track hoping they'll make it, but I'm also kinda ready for the option they won't. I guess it's a risky business. Also, I like to get geocoins with copytags, so that I get to keep my nice coin and let the (less nice ) tag travel.

3. Geocaching culture...to me it's a kinda mix of hiking and being a tourist. I love caches that bring me to a place I've never noticed even if I walk nearby every day! I think it's a perfect hobby for ppl who love to be outdoors, who enjoy nature and sightseeing. I do get a kick of the "numbers", but it's not the most important aspect to me. It's more like "omg, there are still so many to find!", plus I know I will probably learn something cool by cracking that mystery cache!